As casual dress has taken over many work environments, we still wear a tie to events and while working with clients. Why do we continue to do this? Listen to hear the background of this choice. [Read more…]
Articles
Find all articles across all article series listed in reverse chronological order.
MRO Technology — 1
Here are a couple of curious observations:
- End users and providers of ERPs (enterprise management systems) are often technologically very backward in this specialty of managing MRO supplies.
- There are but a handful of specialists (experts) in this field who have developed any sort of advanced technological solutions, yet they remain somewhat obscure.
Whilst there is considerable knowledge and expertise available it does not seem to get far beyond those specialists. [Read more…]
Artificial Intelligence: The Next Undiscovered Country
Guest Post by Joseph Paris (first posted on CERM ® RISK INSIGHTS – reposted here with permission)
In William Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” (usually referred to simply as “Hamlet”), the main character, Hamlet, uses the phrase “undiscovered country” to refer to what lies beyond the grave – the afterlife – and our lack of knowledge of it, and our fear of it. As it is with death, so is it with “Artificial Intelligence”, or “AI”.
Simply put, AI are the sciences involved in having computers gather and evaluate information (data in context) – whether that information is stored, or is gathered in real-time, or combinations thereof – and to make decisions based on that information towards some pre-determined outcome or objective. Each decision made leads to an experience which is archived and added to the information that is stored to help make better decisions in the future. [Read more…]
Importance of Maintenance Planning and Scheduling
The relationship between maintenance planning and scheduling is similar to that of love and marriage, peanut butter and jelly, or bacon and eggs. It’s difficult to have one without the other. Each of these vital disciplines influences the other. But each is a distinct and separate process and, when performed properly, not really a feat of engineering but more an art form due to the vast number of activities required.
The disciplines for maintenance planning and scheduling are among the premises leading to the utilization of CMMS programs. It is helpful to have a solid, proven manual system in place for planning and scheduling before embarking upon utilization of a CMMS program for planning and scheduling. If a well-defined and functioning manual system exists, it makes the transition to the computerized system easier and more understandable. [Read more…]
Are You Planning Ahead?
My parents are going through a big renovation on their home and, when I was speaking to my Mom, she said 2 very insightful things.
Reliability Testing on OEM Systems
Introduction — OEM Systems with Limited Samples
I was assigned to a new project at HP as a reliability engineer was to develop a rear projection, large screen TV. As the project was being defined, I was informed that an Asian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) would be developing and manufacturing the HW while HP developed the SW. HP would own the service center support of field issues. My role was to represent the customer and evaluate the reliability of the final product. [Read more…]
The 7 Myths of Transformer Reliability
by Alan Ross, first posted November 30, 2016
A title like this is supposed to make you curious about two things: First is whether you are aware of these myths and second is if you are aware of them but wrongly believe them. They are myths after all.
Working in the reliability field with a focus on electrical systems, I have become increasingly aware of how many people believe in one or more of these myths and, more strikingly, stake their production uptime and even their career on them. I am not over-exaggerating. It is a big problem we seldom hear about because following these myths has led to a significant increase in the number of transformer failures with a corresponding dramatic increase in the cost of those failures.
So let’s get started. Be honest about it. If you know these are myths and are thinking the right way, then you will no doubt have just verified your prowess. On the other hand, if you believe some or all of these myths, then now is the time to recalibrate and set the record straight. [Read more…]
Corrective Action and Preventative Action – CAPA
A critical operation within many organizations is CAPA processes. The tool set to address issues is extensive. This video addresses the topic at a high level to help direct your approach. [Read more…]
RCM Facilitation and Effective Maintenance
Most of us would agree that there is a new global economy being forged in the manufacturing sector today. Inevitably, this translates to a renewed focus on transferring more business value to the customer. Driving value in maintenance translates to high reliability and central to this will be linking RCM (Reliability Centered Maintenance) facilitation with effective maintenance program implementations. [Read more…]
New South Wales Mandates Local Governments Adopt ERM
Guest Post by James Kline (first posted on CERM ® RISK INSIGHTS – reposted here with permission)
In September 2019, the Local Government Department of the Australian State of New South Wales (NSW), issued “A New Risk Management And Internal Audit Framework” (1). The Minister of Local Government in a forward to the framework states: “Formal risk management and internal audit is a vital part of the NSW Government’s plan to ensure that councils achieve their strategic objectives in the most efficient effective and economical manner. [Read more…]
Why Your Mind is Your Greatest Asset
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right” Henry Ford.
Henry Ford understood the power of the mind and the power of belief systems. Many of us limit ourselves with what we’ve been told throughout our lives or what we’ve been conditioned by society. Understanding your beliefs and the story behind those beliefs is the first step to changing them so your beliefs work for you.
Two of my go-to limiting beliefs are self-worth related and have caused me a lot of grief. [Read more…]
Using Design FMEAs to improve Design Verification Plans
“I didn’t fail the test, I just found 100 ways to do it wrong.” Benjamin Franklin
Properly done, Design FMEAs should improve product designs and test plans. This article describes how DFMEAs can be used to improve testing and analysis, which are embodied in the Design Verification Plan (DVP).
Warranty Costs are Lot More than the Accounts Tell You
In November 2019, General Motors recalled over 640,000 pickup trucks worldwide because hot gas from a high-tech seat belt can set the carpeting on fire [1]. The recall covers 2019 and 2020Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. Also included are some 2020 Silverado and Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickups. All have carpet as a floor covering, GM says it uses a small explosion to move a piston that tightens the belts before a crash. The explosion can release hot gas through an opening in a bracket, possibly setting the carpet on fire. The company reports two fires but no injuries. [Read more…]
Prioritizing Urgent v Important Reliability Tasks
As reliability professionals, we have a lot to do. Risks to identify, failures to analyze. Plans to draft, numbers to crunch. Meetings, writing, research, and leading fill the day.
The list of tasks that you have before you each day is impressive and daunting. So, how do you focus on what actually requires your attention and not just the tasks that get your attention?
Do Not Just Make Data
Focusing on data only is a limiting view compared to wanting to make decisions. The decisions should come first, and the data to support that comes second. This video covers this conversation. [Read more…]
